Minimizing impacts

Novartis assesses the environmental impacts of new products, processes and applied technologies to reduce our overall footprint. We periodically review such assessments in light of new concerns or evidence.

The use of fossil energy sources affects climate globally, and energy is also an important cost factor. Advances in efficiency and renewable energy have become important drivers for both our cost reduction and environmental improvements. While our main focus is to lower greenhouse gas emissions through internal improvement programs, Novartis is also taking advantage of carbon-offset options included in the Kyoto Protocol, such as the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and voluntary offset schemes.

Novartis works to minimize emissions to air and water, carefully monitoring volatile organic compounds and greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as effluents, in accordance with international standards.

We follow a clear waste management and minimization strategy to prevent, reduce and recycle waste wherever possible. We also participate in European market take-back programs to dispose of unused drugs properly.

Learn more about our commitment to minimizing impacts on our corporate citizenship website